Board Meets To Agree Draft Regional Economic Strategy

01/07/1999

Members of the Yorkshire Forward Board met in North Yorkshire today (23) to agree its Draft Regional Economic Strategy.

The event at Broughton Hall, Skipton, was the ninth meeting of the board of Yorkshire Forward, the new Regional Development Agency.

The Draft Regional Economic Strategy which outlines the Agency's vision on behalf of the Region for the next ten years will be formally published on July 30, together with the Regional Planning Guidance and Regional Transport Strategy prepared by the Regional Assembly for Yorkshire and Humberside.

 

Yorkshire Forward's Chairman, Graham Hall, said the meeting represented a landmark in the Agency's development. 

- During the first year of the Agency it is important the board visits as many different parts of the region as possible. 

- This demonstrates our commitment to the particular problems faced by rural areas. 

- Today is obviously a milestone for us - both in agreeing the draft strategy and for visiting this part of North Yorkshire for the first time.

1. Yorkshire Forward, the Yorkshire & Humber Regional Development Agency is one of eight to be established in England on April 1, 1999, under the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998.

2. It has five statutory objectives to:

  • further economic regeneration
  • promote business competitiveness and investment
  • promote skills development
  • develop employment opportunities
  • contribute to sustainable development

3. Yorkshire Forward's vision is to create: a region which is world class, prosperous and:

  • is sustainable
  • has empowered partnerships and communities
  • has a culture of enterprise and creativity
  • is a self reliant region
  • has ladders of opportunities for all
  • has a strong positive identity.

4. Yorkshire Forward's Board members are: Graham Hall, chairman; Richard Gregory, deputy chairman; Muriel Barker; Julian Cummins; Brian Greenwood; Lord Haskins; Stephen Houghton; Paul Jagger; Michael Johnston; Adeeba Malik; Sir Gareth Roberts; Pamela Warhurst. Martin Havenhand is the Chief Executive.

5. For further information, please contact Keith Crane, Media Relations Officer, Yorkshire Forward on 0113 3949710; Fax 0113 234 9211; E-Mail keith.crane@yorkshire-forward.com